Results 2,161-2,180 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 300, 304 and 306 together. Proposed Exchequer capital investment for the period 2006 to 2008 is estimated at almost €4 billion. This investment approximates to €6.5 billion when non-voted and current spending provisions are included. Details in relation to the 2006 housing provision are set out in the 2006 Revised Estimates for Public Services and Public...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The data on the number of social housing units, affordable housing units and voluntary housing units for each calendar year, are available in the Oireachtas Library, and also on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The Table below summarises the position over the past decade, 1996 to 2005. Local Authority Social housing * Affordable housing Voluntary and co-operative housing...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, published by Government last December outlines a substantially increased programme of investment in social and affordable housing measures for the period 2006-2008 involving the mobilization of some 23,000 new units of social housing. It is expected that local authorities will start/acquire in the region of 6,000 units per annum,...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: Information relating to the number of local authority housing units started and completed for the three month period January to March 2006 will be published in due course in the Department's Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletin and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Government has set the end of 2008 as the target to complete the initial implementation of RAS in all local authority areas. Currently twenty housing authorities, representing about 80% of the transferable cases are operating RAS. All authorities are due to commence operation from mid-2006. The provisional targets for transfer of households on rent supplement with long-term housing need...

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: Since the publication of the Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities, funding limits for voluntary and co-operative housing were increased in line with the Building Cost Index by some 20% with effect from 1 February 2006. In consultation with the sector, these limits will be reviewed periodically or as the need arises.

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take to Questions Nos. 312, 313 and 316 to 322, inclusive, together. The new housing policy statement to be published later this year will set out more detailed approaches to implementing the range of initiatives outlined in the Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, published in December 2005. In addition, some of the initiatives outlined in the Framework...

Written Answers — Disability Support Service: Disability Support Service (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The outcome of the review of the implementation of the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes is being considered and I hope to be in a position to announce proposals for the future operation of these schemes shortly.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required to prepare a housing strategy which forms an integral part of the development plan and is the framework for future housing provision within the functional area of the authority. Housing strategies must ensure that policies and objectives are in place that will counteract undue social segregation in...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together. The new housing policy statement to be published later this year will set out more detailed approaches to the proposals related to affordable housing which were outlined in the Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities published in December 2005. Work is well underway on developing approaches to streamlining schemes, and...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (17 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: In accordance with Section 9 of the Housing Act 1988 an assessment of need for local authority housing is undertaken every three years, the last of which was undertaken in 2005. The 2005 assessment was the most rigorous to date and was the first time that an IT database was used to gather, collate and examine the results of the assessment. The procedure involved each local authority...

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: — supports the Government on its ongoing implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008; — notes that the key finding of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy in 2005 was that the current aims and objectives of the strategy are fundamentally sound and that progress was...

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: It is vital we recognise that the drugs problem is a volatile and changing one and that our policies need to be flexible to meet that change. It is also important to recognise that the progress made in the last few years has come about through a process of co-operation and partnership. We must focus on the fact that working together in a united way is far more beneficial than utilising a...

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The main thrust of the evaluations will be to analyse in a systematic manner what is being achieved by the projects and to report on the lessons which can be learnt as a result of them. I hope the results of the evaluation process will aid the formulation of effective actions aimed at tackling cocaine misuse. If any or all of the projects prove to be effective, consideration will be given to...

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling the drugs problem.

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: This commitment is made clear by the Government's financial investment in the area, through the Vote of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The allocation for drugs initiatives was just under €27 million in 2004, but it was increased by 18% to just over €31 million in 2005. This year's Revised Estimates Volume provides €43 million in this area, which represents an...

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: No one suggests that the problem has gone away.

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: We have a strategy and everyone has a part in it, including statutory bodies, Departments, agencies——

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: ——and communities. The strategy was drawn up and reviewed and we pursue it. It is being resourced. While I fully recognise the problem has not gone away——

Drug Abuse: Motion. (23 May 2006)

Noel Ahern: ——we are working together. The problem can only be beaten if we so do.